ZOAHARIAN.COM – Being trapped in online loans (pinjol) can be a serious problem for your financial condition. At first it was just borrowing money to meet urgent needs, but over time the debt actually piled up due to interest, additional costs and the habit of digging holes to cover holes.

This situation often makes a person feel stressed, especially when the bills come one after another accompanied by continuous collection messages.

However, this condition does not mean it cannot be resolved. There are a number of steps you can take to get out of the debt trap gradually without having to take out a new loan.

Here are seven ways you can be free from the burden of online loans.

1. Stop Taking New Loans

The first step is to stop the habit of borrowing money to pay off previous debts.

The practice of digging holes to cover holes actually makes the financial burden even heavier. Especially if the new loan has higher interest and administration fees.

Focus on completing existing obligations before thinking about other loans.

2. Record all debts you have

Don't avoid reality by not calculating the amount of debt.

Make a list of all loans, starting from the name of the service provider, principal amount owed, interest, late fees, to the due date.

By knowing your total obligations, you can determine payment priorities and develop a more targeted repayment strategy.

3. Prioritize Basic Needs

When you are in debt, don't let all your income be used to pay installments so that your daily needs are neglected.

Separate money first for food, shelter, transportation, health and family needs.

After that, determine a realistic amount that can be allocated to pay off debt.

Don't force payments at the expense of basic needs.

4. Contact Pinjol for negotiations

If you have difficulty paying, don't disappear or avoid communicating with the loan provider.

Try contacting official customer service to request a solution, such as restructuring, payment rescheduling, or relief according to the service provider's policy.

Convey financial conditions honestly and propose realistic payment capabilities.

Make sure all agreements are recorded in writing through official channels.

5. Reduce non-urgent expenses

During the repayment process, re-evaluate your daily spending habits.

Reduce expenses that are not really important, such as impulse shopping, entertainment subscriptions that are rarely used, and the habit of buying things just because they follow trends.

The money saved can be diverted to pay loan obligations.

Even though it seems small, consistent savings can help speed up the financial recovery process.

6. Find Extra Income

If your main income is not enough to meet your needs and pay off your debts, consider looking for additional income.

You can try side jobs, sell online, become a freelancer, or use the skills you have.

This additional income should be used to speed up debt payments, not increase consumer spending.

7. Report Illegal Borrowing and Billing that Violates the Rules

Not all online loan services operate legally.

If you find illegal borrowing, threats, dissemination of personal data, or billing practices that violate provisions, the public can report it to the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

Complaints can be made via OJK Contact 157, WhatsApp 081-157-157-157, or the official OJK website at www.ojk.go.id.

For suspected criminal acts such as threats or extortion, the public can also report to the police.

Don't easily trust parties who offer debt relief services by asking for down payments or personal data.

Don't panic, start fixing your finances now

Freeing yourself from the entanglement of pinjol cannot be done overnight. It takes discipline, planning and commitment to complete obligations gradually.

The most important thing is to stop new loans, know the total debt, take care of basic needs, and communicate with the loan provider.

Don't let the pressure caused by debt make financial decisions even more out of control. With the right steps, financial conditions that were originally in disarray still have the opportunity to return to health.